Kados niku
/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).Definition & Context
AdverbAdverb
A word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc.
A demonstrative adverb in the krama madya level of Javanese expressing similarity or comparison to something distant from the speaker. It functions semantically as the equivalent of “like 그that” to denote a previously mentioned method, condition, or quality with a medium level of politeness.
Synonyms & Variants
begitu
Direct equivalent in standard Indonesian.
kayak gitu
Informal expression meaning 'like that' or 'that way'.
ngaten
An adverbial demonstrative in krama inggil (Javanese) indicating similarity or comparison, with a higher level of politeness than 'kados niku'.
seperti itu
An adverbial phrase indicating similarity or comparison to something previously mentioned, neutral and general in nature.
ngoten
A contracted form often used in daily conversation.
kaya ngono
Used in the ngoko level for peers.
Usage Notes or Etymology
Etymologically, this phrase is formed from the word kados meaning “like” or “as” and niku, which is the krama variant of the demonstrative “that”. Its usage is commonly found in Central Javanese and Yogyakarta dialects to maintain etiquette when speaking with elders or respected individuals. In Javanese linguistic structure, kados niku occupies the krama madya level. This form is more polite than kaya ngono but remains below the krama inggil or krama alus form which utilizes kados mekaten.
Real-world Usage
Nyuwun sewu, menawi kados niku caranipun kulo mboten saget. (Mohon maaf, kalau seperti itu caranya saya tidak bisa.)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.